Drug Formulary information is intended for use by healthcare professionals. It is not intended to be medical advice. Some of the information, including information about funding for cancer drugs, does not apply to all patients. Cancer treatment plans are unique to each patient. If you are a patient, please speak with your healthcare team to understand how this information applies to you.
liposomal irinotecan
Liposomal irinotecan is a formulation of irinotecan encapsulated in a lipid bilayer vesicle. Irinotecan and its active metabolite SN-38 bind to the topoisomerase DNA complex preventing re-ligation of single-strand DNA breaks, resulting in cytotoxic effects.
Over the dosing range of 50 to 150 mg/m2, maximum concentrations of irinotecan and SN-38 increase linearly.
95% of irinotecan remains liposome-encapsulated during circulation.
| PPB |
< 0.44% total irinotecan |
Irinotecan is metabolized to its active form, SN38 and to inactive metabolites via CYP3A4 and UGT1A1.
UGT1A1 activity is reduced in those with genetic polymorphisms such as the UGT1A1*28 variant. About 10% of the North American population is homozygous for this variant. In a pharmacokinetic study, patients homozygous and non-homozygous had similar SN-38 exposure.
Elimination has not been fully determined in humans.
| Half-life |
70 mg/m2 dose: 27 hours |
For the treatment of metastatic adenocarcinoma of the pancreas, in combination with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin in patients who have disease progression following gemcitabine-based therapy.
NOTES:
- DO NOT substitute for or with other irinotecan formulations
- NOT indicated as a single-agent
Emetogenic Potential:
Extravasation Potential: None
The following adverse effects are from the single-agent liposomal irinotecan arm of the NAPOLI-1 study.
| ORGAN SITE | SIDE EFFECT* (%) | ONSET** | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiovascular | Arterial/venous thromboembolism (13%) | E D | |||
| Dermatological | Alopecia (22%) | E | |||
| Gastrointestinal | Anorexia, weight loss (44%) | E D | |||
| Diarrhea (70%) (21% severe) | I E | ||||
| Mucositis (12%) | E | ||||
| Nausea, vomiting (61%) | I E | ||||
| General | Fatigue (37%) | E | |||
| Hematological | Myelosuppression ± infection, bleeding (15%) (severe) | E | |||
| Hepatobiliary | ↑ LFTs (50%) | E D | |||
| Hypersensitivity | Infusion related reaction (2%) | I E | |||
| Metabolic / Endocrine | Abnormal electrolyte(s) (49%) (decreased Mg, K, Ca, PO4, Na; may be severe) | E | |||
| Renal | Renal failure (7%) | E D | |||
* "Incidence" may refer to an absolute value or the higher value from a reported range.
"Rare"
may refer to events with < 1% incidence, reported in post-marketing, phase 1 studies,
isolated data or anecdotal
reports.
Dose-limiting side effects are underlined.
** I = immediate (onset in hours to days)
E = early (days to weeks)
D = delayed (weeks to months)
L = late (months to years)
The most common side effects for liposomal irinotecan include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, ↑ lfts, anorexia, weight loss, fatigue, abnormal electrolyte(s), alopecia, myelosuppression ± infection, bleeding, arterial/venous thromboembolism and mucositis.
The most common dose limiting toxicity is diarrhea, which may be early or delayed onset.
Early onset diarrhea is typically transient and appears during or within 24 hours of treatment. It is thought to be related to the anticholinergic activity of irinotecan and may be accompanied by cholinergic symptoms such as rhinitis, increased salivation, flushing, bradycardia, miosis, lacrimation, diaphoresis and abdominal cramps. Acute events may be managed by administration of IV or SC atropine 0.25 to 1 mg.
Late onset diarrhea appears more than 24 hours after treatment and may be persistent, resulting in dehydration, electrolyte imbalances or sepsis. The median time to onset was 8 days from the last dose. The incidence is lower in Asian populations. Late diarrhea must be treated promptly with loperamide, 4 mg at the first onset, and then 2 mg every 2 hours until the patient is diarrhea-free for at least 12 hours. If diarrhea persists beyond 24 hours despite loperamide, consider adding antibiotic support. Loperamide should not be used for more than 48 consecutive hours due to the risk of paralytic ileus. If diarrhea persists beyond 48 hours, stop loperamide, replace fluid electrolytes and continue antibiotic support.
Myelosuppression is common, includes severe neutropenia and is fatal in 3.4%. The frequency of severe neutropenia is higher in Asian patients compared to Caucasians. Patients homozygous for the UGT1A1*28 allele have an increased risk of neutropenia with non-liposomal irinotecan. In the NAPOLI-1 study with liposomal irinotecan, these patients had similar rates of severe neutropenia compared to non-homozygous patients.
Interstitial lung disease has been reported in patients who received non-liposomal irinotecan. No cases have been reported in patients who received liposomal irinotecan.
Mild to moderate infusion-related reactions have been reported and occurred early during treatment.
Refer to protocol by which patient is being treated. Benefit is not established in patients who have had prior irinotecan.
Drug dose and concentration differs for the free base and the salt. Formulary documents refer to the dose as of the free base.
Lipsomal irinotecan 70* mg/m2 (free base) IV every 14 days
*A reduced starting dose of 50 mg/m2 (free base) is recommended for patients homozygous for UGT1A1*28. Patients without drug toxicities within the first 2 weeks of treatment may have their dose increased to 70 mg/m2.
Liposomal irinotecan should be used in combination with fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin. See the FOLFNALIRI regimen monograph for additional dosing details.
Adequate antiemetic therapy and prophylactic loperamide should be provided prior to treatment. Patients with ileus, fever or febrile neutropenia should receive antibiotics.
Do not start a new cycle until ANC ≥ 1.5 x 109/L, platelets ≥ 100 x 109/L and diarrhea/nausea/vomiting (if present) resolves to ≤ grade 1. Do not give in the presence of bowel obstruction.
Suggested dose levels (free base):
| Dose level* | Liposomal irinotecan 70 mg/m2 starting dose | Liposomal irinotecan 50 mg/m2 starting dose |
| 0 | 70 | 50 |
| -1 | 50 | 43 |
| -2 | 43 | 35 |
| -3 | Discontinue | Discontinue |
Suggested dose modifications:
| Toxicity | Occurrence | Liposomal irinotecan / 5-FU dose |
|
Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia or febrile neutropenia OR Grade 3 or 4 diarrhea OR Other grade 3 or 4 non-hematologic toxicities* |
1st |
↓ liposomal irinotecan by 1 dose level ↓ 5-FU by 25% |
| 2nd |
↓ liposomal irinotecan by 1 additional dose level ↓ 5-FU by an additional 25% |
|
| 3rd | Discontinue treatment | |
| Grade 3 or 4 nausea/vomiting despite antiemetic therapy | 1st |
Optimize antiemetic therapy ↓ liposomal irinotecan by 1 dose level |
| 2nd |
Optimize antiemetic therapy ↓ liposomal irinotecan by 1 additional dose level |
|
| 3rd | Discontinue treatment | |
| Interstitial lung disease | n/a | Hold if suspected and investigate. Discontinue if confirmed. |
| Severe infusion reaction/hypersensitivity | n/a | Discontinue |
*excludes fatigue and grade 3 anorexia (no dosage adjustment recommended)
No studies have been conducted in patients with hepatic impairment. Patents with Gilbert's disease may be at higher risk of myelosuppression; consider dose reduction.
| total bilirubin (mg/dL) | AST / ALT | Liposomal irinotecan dose |
| > 2 | Not recommended | |
|
> 2.5 x ULN* |
Not recommended |
*or > 5 x ULN if liver metastases present
A pharmacokinetic analysis found that mild to moderate renal impairment had no effect on exposure of the active metabolite, SN-38.
| CrCl (ml/min) | Liposomal irinotecan dose |
| > 60 | No change |
| 30 - 60 | No change |
| < 30 | Not recommended (no data) |
Population pharmacokinetic analysis showed that age had no meaningful effect on drug exposure. Patients over 75 experienced more severe adverse reactions, dose delays, dose reductions and discontinuations compared to younger patients.
Population pharmacokinetic analysis showed that Asians had lower total irinotecan concentrations and higher SN-38 concentrations compared to Caucasian patients. The frequency of severe neutropenia was higher, while diarrhea was lower in Asian patients.
Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients.
- DO NOT substitute for or with other irinotecan formulations.
- Dilute with D5W or NS to appropriate concentration; mix by gentle inversion.
- Infuse over 90 minutes; do not use in-line filters.
- Diluted suspension may be stored up to 4 hours at room temperature (25oC).
- Diluted suspension may be stored in the refrigerator (2-8oC) for up to 24 hours. Do not freeze. Allow return to room temperature prior to use.
- Protect from light.
- Avoid grapefruit, starfruit, Seville oranges, their juices or products during treatment.
- Patients who have a hypersensitivity to this drug, any of its components or other irinotecan formulations
- Liposomal irinotecan is NOT interchangeable with non-liposomal irinotecan
- Patients with baseline seum total bilirubin > 2 mg/dL were excluded from clinical trials. Patients with deficient glucuronidation of bilirubin such as those with Gilbert's syndrome may be at greater risk of myelosuppression.
- Patients with pre-exisiting lung disease, use of pneumotoxic medications, colony stimulating factors or previous radiation treatment may be at increased risk of interstitial lung disease.
- Avoid live vaccines. Inactivated vaccines may be administered, but immunologic response may be diminished.
- Avoid administration with strong CYP3A4 inducers or inhibitors and strong UGT1A1 inhibitors, unless there are no therapeutic alternatives (see Drug Interactions section).
- Use with caution in patients with BMI < 18.5 kg/m2; they may be at increased risk of toxicity and require dose modifications.
- Patients with a history of a Whipple procedure have a higher risk of serious infections.
Other Drug Properties:
-
Carcinogenicity:
Unknown
-
Teratogenicity:
Yes
-
Fetotoxicity:
Yes
Liposomal irinotecan is not recommended for use in pregnancy. Adequate contraception should be used by both sexes during treatment, and for at least 1 month after the last dose (for women) and 4 months after the last dose (for men).
-
Excretion into breast milk:
Unknown
Liposomal irinotecan is contraindicated during breastfeeding. Patients should not breastfeed until one month after the last dose.
-
Fertility effects:
Likely
Liposomal irinotecan is susceptible to similar drug interactions as irinotecan (see the irinotecan drug monograph). Co-administration of 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin did not alter drug levels.
| AGENT | EFFECT | MECHANISM | MANAGEMENT |
|---|---|---|---|
| CYP3A4 inducers (i.e. phenytoin, rifampin, dexamethasone, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, St. John’s Wort, etc) | reduced drug and metabolite exposure; reduced efficacy | ↑ metabolism of irinotecan | Avoid use of strong inducers if possible. Substitute non-enzyme inducing therapies at least 2 weeks prior to starting treatment. |
| CYP3A4 inhibitors (i.e. ketoconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir, fruit or juice from grapefruit, Seville oranges or starfruit) | increased drug exposure; increased toxicity | ↓ metabolism of irinotecan | Avoid strong inhibitors if possible. Discontinue strong inhibitors at least 1 week prior to starting treatment. Monitor closely for toxicity when co-administered with moderate inhibitors. |
| UGT1A1 inhibitors (i.e. atazanavir, indinavir, gemfibrozil) | increased drug exposure; increased toxicity | ↓ metabolism of irinotecan | Avoid strong inhibitors if possible. Discontinue strong inhibitors at least 1 week prior to starting treatment. |
Treating physicians may decide to monitor more or less frequently for individual patients but should always consider recommendations from the product monograph.
| Monitor Type | Monitor Frequency |
|---|---|
CBC |
Baseline and before each dose |
Liver function tests |
Baseline and before each dose |
Clinical toxicity assessment for GI effects, infection, bleeding, thromboembolism, infusion-related reaction, fatigue, respiratory symptoms |
At each visit |
Grade toxicity using the current NCI-CTCAE (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events) version
| Monitor Type | Monitor Frequency |
|---|---|
Renal function tests and electrolytes |
Baseline and as clinically indicated |
Pregnancy testing in women of child-bearing potential |
Before starting treatment and intermittently during treatment |
Onivyde (irinotecan liposome for injection) product monograph. Baxalta Canada Corp. August 8, 2017.
Wang-Gillam A, Li CP, Bodoky G, et al.; NAPOLI-1 Study Group. Nanoliposomal irinotecan with fluorouracil and folinic acid in metastatic pancreatic cancer after previous gemcitabine-based therapy (NAPOLI-1): a global, randomised, open-label, phase 3 trial. Lancet. 2016 Feb 6;387(10018):545-57.
Refer to the New Drug Funding Program or Ontario Public Drug Programs websites for the most up-to-date public funding information.
The information set out in the drug monographs, regimen monographs, appendices and symptom management information (for health professionals) contained in the Drug Formulary (the "Formulary") is intended for healthcare providers and is to be used for informational purposes only. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects of a particular drug, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for a given condition. The information in the Formulary is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for medical advice and should not be relied upon in any such regard. All uses of the Formulary are subject to clinical judgment and actual prescribing patterns may not follow the information provided in the Formulary.
The format and content of the drug monographs, regimen monographs, appendices and symptom management information contained in the Formulary will change as they are reviewed and revised on a periodic basis. The date of last revision will be visible on each page of the monograph and regimen. Since standards of usage are constantly evolving, it is advised that the Formulary not be used as the sole source of information. It is strongly recommended that original references or product monograph be consulted prior to using a chemotherapy regimen for the first time.
Some Formulary documents, such as the medication information sheets, regimen information sheets and symptom management information (for patients), are intended for patients. Patients should always consult with their healthcare provider if they have questions regarding any information set out in the Formulary documents.
While care has been taken in the preparation of the information contained in the Formulary, such information is provided on an “as-is” basis, without any representation, warranty, or condition, whether express, or implied, statutory or otherwise, as to the information’s quality, accuracy, currency, completeness, or reliability.
CCO and the Formulary’s content providers shall have no liability, whether direct, indirect, consequential, contingent, special, or incidental, related to or arising from the information in the Formulary or its use thereof, whether based on breach of contract or tort (including negligence), and even if advised of the possibility thereof. Anyone using the information in the Formulary does so at his or her own risk, and by using such information, agrees to indemnify CCO and its content providers from any and all liability, loss, damages, costs and expenses (including legal fees and expenses) arising from such person’s use of the information in the Formulary.